Acidified Hypertonic Saline Rinse for Storage Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mouthwash and gargle solutions face challenges in storage stability due to the growth of halophilic organisms and sensitivity issues with synthetic antimicrobials, and hydrogen peroxide solutions are prone to decomposition upon opening, making them unsuitable for multiple use.
Innovation Solution
A storage-stable package with an acidified hypertonic saline or hydrogen peroxide composition, independent of synthetic antimicrobials, is provided in a polymeric bottle with a complementary cap, maintaining stability for at least 10 weeks at 20°C, using acids like hydrochloric or citric acid to achieve pH levels between 2 and 9 for saline and 2.7 to 5.3 for hydrogen peroxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hypertonic saline solution is prepared for mouthwash or gargle use, then it creates a dehydrated environment that reduces bacterial growth and inflammation, but it becomes a growth medium for halophilic organisms that prevents storage stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the hypertonic saline solution to an acidic range (pH 2-9, preferably pH 3-6). This chemical parameter modification prevents the growth of halophilic organisms while maintaining the hypertonic properties that create a dehydrated environment harmful to bacteria. The acidification transforms the solution from a bacterial growth medium into a storage-stable antimicrobial rinse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acid (such as citric acid, acetic acid, or hydrochloric acid) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hypertonic saline and the halophilic organisms. The acid acts as a protective agent that prevents microbial growth without interfering with the osmotic action of the saline, thereby enabling storage stability while preserving the therapeutic effects.
2Reliability
If synthetic antimicrobials are used to achieve storage stability, then storage stability is improved, but sensitivity issues and unpleasant flavor profiles arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces synthetic antimicrobial chemicals with a pH-based parameter change (acidification). By adjusting the pH to an acidic range, the solution achieves storage stability through chemical environment modification rather than relying on sensitizing antimicrobial agents. This approach eliminates sensitivity issues and allows for more pleasant flavor profiles since the acid itself can provide mild flavor while preventing microbial growth.
3Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is used to treat pharyngeal or buccal cavity infections, then it provides antimicrobial action, but it decomposes upon opening making it unsuitable for multiple use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using acidified hypertonic saline instead of hydrogen peroxide. This parameter change provides stable antimicrobial action through the combination of hypertonicity and acidification, while the solution remains stable upon opening. The acidic environment prevents microbial growth throughout the shelf life, allowing multiple uses without the decomposition problems associated with hydrogen peroxide.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable and effective rinse for treating pharyngeal or buccal cavity infections without the need for synthetic antimicrobials, reducing bacterial growth and inflammation, while being safe for individuals with hypertension.
Implementation Method 1
Gargling with hypertonic salt water causes osmosis to occur. Osmosis is the process by which solvents, such as water, separated by a semi-permeable membrane, move from a region of lower concentration to higher concentration in order to equilibrate. By introducing hypertonic saline into the pharyngeal or buccal cavity, bacterial dehydration and lysis occurs.
Implementation Method 2
The salt may also kill some bacteria, but many strains are now resistant to mild levels of salt. It is a misconception to think that the salt water will directly kill off the bacteria. Gargling or rinsing with hypertonic saline solution simply creates a dehydrated environment that the bacteria find less hospitable and potentially dangerous
Implementation Method 3
A storage stable package is provided that includes a polymeric bottle having a volume filled with an aqueous saline composition acidified with an acid to a pH of 2 to 9 and having a hypertonic saline concentration relative to saliva and blood to achieve a storage stability at 20 degrees Celsius of the composition of at least 10 weeks.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage stable package is provided that includes a polymeric bottle having a volume filled with an aqueous saline composition acidified with an acid to a pH of 2 to 9 and having a hypertonic saline concentration relative to saliva and blood, or an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition acidified with an acid to a pH of 2.7 to 5.3 and having a hydrogen peroxide concentration 0.5 to 3 total weight percent, either to achieve a storage stability at 20 degrees Celsius of the composition of at least 10 weeks. The aqueous composition is independent of a synthetic antimicrobial. A cap is provided that is complementary a package opening for selectively sealing the aqueous saline composition within the volume. A process for treating an infection of a pharyngeal or buccal cavity is provided that includes rinsing with one of the aqueous saline composition. The aqueous saline composition is then expectorated.